A Former Hollywood Squatter's Guide to Success

This is a very condensed version of my life to let you know that I have been where you are and have risen above my situation and YOU can too.

Here are suggestions to help you to get you on a path to a productive future.

1. Find a Shelter

   Finding a shelter that you are comfortable in is your best bet. They keep you safe, feed you, listen to you, and guide you. You are more likely to find others who are making a better future for themselves there. To some of you this might seem like an end to your complete freedom. I know partying and having fun is important to you, but now is the time to start learning to party responsibly. Trust me, it can be done. By keeping your daily or weekly partying down to say, one drink or no drinks, you get to enjoy the party more because you're not sloshed. If you are against going to a shelter, that is fine. You can still follow the steps that pertain to you.

2. Make sure to find a place to shower daily

   Even if you are at a squat you can pan handle enough money for a 1 to 3 gallon jug of water and a towel. Use the water for drinking, bathing, washing your clothes, etc… Bathing always makes people feel good about themselves and others.

3. Locate your Local Library

   Do not go during school hours or they will call social services or the police on you. Don't check books out because they can easily get lost or stolen. Sit in the library and read, do research, and study. Go everyday even if it is just to sit and read a magazine or watch people. It is a free place to sit indoors. Make sure that you never do anything to get kicked out of the library? Do not invite people to go with you if they aren't interested in their future. If they get disruptive you could get kicked out due to their behavior.

4. Find friends that are doing what they can to improve their futures.

   Talk, listen, and enjoy each others stories.

5. Do everything you can to achieve your goals.

   Tell them exactly what you are trying to achieve and they can point you in the right direction. Do not tell them you are homeless.

6. Never Give Up

   Do not give up on yourself or your future. It is hard work to be a success. You will be alive a really long time so make the best life that you can.

I hope that my success story and my helpful hints will help you on your path to your success story.

Important places to know by heart:

Beverly Health Center
8405 Beverly Boulevard (@ Orlando)
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Map
Hours:
Monday - Thursday Medical 8 AM to 8 PM
Dental 8 AM to 9 PM
Friday All services 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday Dental only 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Hollywood Health Center
6043 Hollywood Boulevard (@ Gower)
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Map
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 to 7 PM

Hollywood Wilshire Health Center
5205 Melrose Avenue (@ Wilton)
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Map
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Walk-in sign in 7:30 AM to 8 AM
12:30 PM to 1 PM
Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Walk-in sign in 12:30 PM to 1 PM
(No walk-in on Friday morning, the only patients seen on Friday morning are patients receiving physical therapy/sports medicine by appointment only.)

Preteen and Teen Health Support group (free)

Wallis Annenberg Center
5205 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90038
Monday Afternoons
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

This program is for teens and preteens who struggle with emotional problems, family problems, school problems, or relationship problems. It aims to provide an environment for support, sharing, talking, or just listening about those issues that parents just don't understand!

To Register, Please contact:

Angela Kahn [323] 337-1814

L.A.Y.N.

The emergency shelter is located at 1550 N. Gower Street,
in Hollywood, CA.

Angel's Flight Emergency Shelter
357 South Westlake Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90057
213-413-2311; 800-833-2499

MY CLUB

8705 South Vermont Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90044
323-751-2582

Food on Foot

Sun. serving site: 1625 N. Schrader Avenue, Hollywood, California (parking lot)

Every Sunday at 3:15 p.m., 52 weeks a year

Covenant House California
Hollywood
1325 N. Western Avenue
Hollywood, Ca 90027

800-999-9999

Places to Shower:

Blessed Sacrament

6636 Selma Ave.
Hollywood

LA Free Clinic

8405 Beverly Blvd.
w. Hollywood